No major 2024 Democratic challenger for Rick Scott yet.

Florida Democrats Struggle to Find a Challenger for Sen. Rick Scott in 2024

Despite being early in the process, Florida Democrats are having a tough time finding a major challenger to go up against Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) in the 2024 cycle. The state’s political climate has shifted in favor of the GOP, making it an uphill battle for any potential contenders on the Democrat’s shortlist.

Possible Contenders

Some of the names being floated around include former NBA stars Dwayne Wade and Grant Hill, Brevard County School Board Member Jennifer Jenkins, former Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL), and state Sen. Shev Jones, according to NBC News. The NBA legends have garnered significant buzz as Florida Democrats consider whether a high-profile celebrity-type candidate can help them overcome their recent losses.

Recent Losses

The last Democrat to win a Florida Senate seat was former Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) in 2012. Since then, Democrats have faced heavy losses in the state, with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) trouncing former Gov. Charlie Crist (I-FL) by almost 20 percentage points in the 2022 midterm elections. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) also beat former Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) by double-digits. Republicans now have over a 400,000-person voter registration advantage in the state, compared to Democrats’ roughly 270,000 voter advantage during the Scott-Nelson race.

Scott’s Net Worth and Fundraising

Scott had a net worth of over $259 million in 2018, according to Open Secrets, and is a prolific fundraiser. He served as Florida governor from 2011 to 2019, and during his tenure, his approval rating was often underwater as he navigated reforms to programs such as Medicaid. Some of these positions could give Democrats ammunition in a race against him.

2024 Race and GOP Primary Challenge

The 2024 race would be the first presidential election cycle Scott will be on the ballot, meaning that if the Republican nominee proves to be a drag on the ticket, it could boost Democrats in down-ballot races such as the contest for Florida’s Senate seat. Scott has drawn a minor GOP primary challenge from businessman and lawyer Keith Gross, whose campaign had $4 million at its disposal by the end of 2022, according to filings.

Republicans’ Favorable Position

Republicans are heading into the 2024 Senate cycle in a favorable position, only having to defend 11 seats, while Democrats must guard 23, including three held by Democratic-aligned independent senators.

• Democrats are struggling to find a major challenger to go up against Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) in the 2024 cycle.
• Possible contenders include former NBA stars Dwayne Wade and Grant Hill, Brevard County School Board Member Jennifer Jenkins, former Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL), and state Sen. Shev Jones.
• The last Democrat to win a Florida Senate seat was former Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) in 2012.
• Republicans now have over a 400,000-person voter registration advantage in the state.
• Scott had a net worth of over $259 million in 2018 and is a prolific fundraiser.
• Republicans are heading into the 2024 Senate cycle in a favorable position, only having to defend 11 seats, while Democrats must guard 23, including three held by Democratic-aligned independent senators.

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